Colossians 3:13
“Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.”
The power to forgive is the only power we have over anyone who hurts us. And I would argue that our refusal to forgive allows anger to have control over us.
When we say, “I no longer hold it against you,” both sides are set free from the negative bond that existed between us. But there’s more: we also free ourselves from the burden of being the offended one. As long as we refuse to forgive those who offended us, we carry them like lead weights around our necks. The grudge we hold onto infects all parts of our lives, and if not treated, like any infection it will eventually bring us down. The great temptation is to hang on to the anger we have towards our enemies. Forgiveness not only liberates the offenders, but it liberates us as well. It’s the only way to freedom from anger.
Unfortunately, forgiving doesn’t necessarily mean forgetting. Though we forgive someone, the offense isn’t always easily forgettable. Here’s the deal though, forgiveness changes how we remember. It converts the curse into a blessing. Forgiveness means we no longer have to suffer as victims when the memory returns to us.
Today, release the power you may be holding over someone. Prayerfully ask God to give you the love and the strength to forgive.
Related Text:
Colossians 3:12-15
“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.”
